Chelsea told to give N’Golo Kante bumper new deal as ‘big’ transfer mooted – pundit
Paul Robinson has urged Chelsea to give “irreplaceable” midfield star N’Golo Kante a new contract.
The former England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 31-year-old will be a target for a host of “big European clubs” if he were to leave Stamford Bridge.
Kante, who has started 16 Premier League games this term, is out of contract in June 2023.
As quoted by Metro (9 April), manager Thomas Tuchel urged his side to “solve” the Frenchman’s situation this summer.
Kante has struggled for fitness this term, having suffered knee and groin injuries – as well as two bouts of Covid-19.
When asked if the Blues will be wanting to keep Kante at the club, Robinson told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “Yes. He’s a top player.
“I think what he brings to that Chelsea team is irreplaceable, and he’s proven he can play further up the field as well.
“You’ve got to weigh up the pros and cons when you’re preparing to lose a player like Kante. How and where do you replace him? He’s a special type of player – there are only a few like him in the world.
“If you want to compete at the top of the Premier League and in the Champions League, having a player like Kante gives you a much better chance.
“If he was to leave, I think there would be a number of big European clubs willing to snap him up.”
Fellow midfielder Jorghino is also out of contract in June 2023.
Kante signed for Chelsea from Leicester for a reported £32million in 2016.
The midfield star has won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.
In other news, Romelu Lukaku’s exit plan may be in “jeopardy” amid injury news.